American Staffordshire Terrier health: what owners should know

AmStaffs are generally robust, but several conditions appear in the breed: hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ligament injuries, skin allergies, thyroid problems, skin tumors and cerebellar cortical degeneration, which has a DNA test. Some lines also carry heart conditions. A good breeder will show hip and elbow scores, an NCL-A DNA result and a heart check for both parents.

Keep your dog lean, warm up before intense play and limit sharp turns and jumping during growth. See your vet for sudden hind-leg lameness after play, ongoing scratching or hair loss, wobbling or unsteady walking in a young adult, or low energy with weight gain. Any lump that appears, grows or changes should be checked promptly rather than watched.